Paul McKee's Northside plan and Lafayette Square have both handled historic preservation differently. McKee's view of the Northside is one of a blank slate and he wants to start over. In doing so, he wipes away generations of historic architecture and replaces sturdy brick homes that are a monument to St. Louis' past. 

 

In North St. Louis, Modernist architecture can be seen side by side with the historic architecture. Looking at the historic Carr School side by side to more modernist schools, in North city, it's clear which one has more character. Even in its present state of severe disrepair, Carr School has a sense of impressive historic beauty than is lacking in the hard, rectangular shape of Blewell School. Instead of restoring these beautiful old schools and landmarks, they sit falling into deeper and deeper disrepair. McKee's policy of demolition by neglect with these historic buildings is ruining large swaths of St. Louis and hurts what credibility he has in the neighborhoods targeted by the project.